URGENT: Statewide search for missing Toowoomba man

Tara Miko
Reporter
Tara started with APN in 2010 after graduating with a journalism and politics degree from Griffith University in Brisbane. After two-and-a-half years working on APN papers in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland, she joined the team at The Chronicle in February 2013. In September that year she took over the reins of the Rural Weekly.

A STATEWIDE search for missing Toowoomba man Paul Anderson continues as police release new images and renew appeals for information.

Mr Anderson, 49, reported missing from Middle Ridge on Thursday, has not been seen since Saturday with police concerned for his welfare.

His family has launched a desperate search mission to find him after a confirmed sighting in Duaringa in Central Queensland about noon on Saturday.

Southern Region search and rescue coordinator Acting Senior Sergeant Jeremy Sheldrick said hot temperatures were a major concern for Mr Anderson who suffers from early-onset dementia.

Police have released a new image of missing Toowoomba man Paul Anderson, 49. Mr Anderson, pictured here with the his vehicle, has been missing since Thursday and was last seen at Duaringa in Central Queensland on Saturday.Contributed

"The real concern is that he is going to drive his vehicle, pull over somewhere and possibly not self-help," he said.

Mr Anderson failed to arrive at work on Thursday morning, triggering a statewide bulletin for any information relating to his whereabouts and possible sightings of his cream coloured Proton Jumbuck ute with registration 814-LSM.

It is believed Mr Anderson may have tried to travel to a Central Queensland property formerly owned by his family.

"He's not the type of person who would actively go and seek help from another person," Snr Sgt Sheldrick said.

"In his case there is some previous history of living in the Central Queensland area.

"On the last occasion in November when he previously went missing, his thoughts at the time was he was trying to get to a previously owned family farm and he turned up some distance away from that farm.

"So we're thinking he is disorientated (and) may not understand the fact he is lost at this time.

"The current temperatures throughout Central Queensland are obviously a big concern to us as well."

Snr Sgt Sheldrick said Mr Anderson was not violent and encouraged passing motorists to stop and talk with him if they spotted his vehicle.

He said Mr Anderson's family had searched the area and highways across the weekend.

"If people could approach him, we encourage them to make sure he is okay," Snr Sgt Sheldrick said.

"Try and speak to him and call police from that location.

"It's obviously not a Toyota LandCruiser ute we're looking for in Central Queensland, it's a Proton Jumbuck utility so it will stand out in that particular area."

Anyone with information is asked to contact their nearest police station, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444.